14 Worst Refrigerator Brands To Avoid (and Most Reliable Brands)

The idea of scouring the Internet to find the right brand of refrigerator for your home can feel daunting. Still, if you don’t do research, you risk purchasing a refrigerator that’s unreliable and prone to breaking. We have created a guide using research from resources such as Yale Appliance and hundreds of online reviews so that you can easily choose a refrigerator brand.

Based on our research and recall data from the CPSC, you should avoid refrigerator brands like Bosch, Frigidaire, KitchenAid, Maytag, and Thermador. Maytag recalled 46,000 units due to a fire hazard in recent years. Frigidaire and KitchenAid are the worst-rated refrigerator brands for customer service. Instead, buy brands like LG, GE, Whirlpool, Danby and Samsung fridges.

Your refrigerator is the heart of your kitchen. It’s the one appliance that every person in your family will use multiple times each day. That’s why it’s absolutely worth investing in a refrigerator that’s perfect for your home.

KitchenAid is a huge name in kitchen appliances, but their refrigerators have many problems. The most common problems that customers report are with the ice dispensers, water dispensers, and defrost function. According to Yale Appliance data, KitchenAid refrigerators have a 10.2% service rate.

Customer reports from Consumer Affairs indicate that models like the KitchenAid French Door Stainless Steel fridge are prone to leaks and rusting. A class action lawsuit was filed against KitchenAid in 2020 right after its parent company settled a $21 lawsuit over leaking bottom freezer units.

Noisy operation is an annoying and common problem with KitchenAid refrigerators. It is common for the thermistor, condenser fan, and start relay to go bad on a KitchenAid fridge. Expensive repairs, functionality problems, and loud operation are among the biggest reasons to avoid KitchenAid refrigerators.

Frigidaire refrigerators have many problems such as constant running, inconsistent cooling, and a loud ice maker. One of the most common problems that consumers report is that the door has a weak seal. This can cause cool air to escape the fridge and can cause food to spoil in extreme cases.

The Frigidaire 33 in. 22.3 cu. ft. Standard Depth Side by Side has 75 1-star ratings, 82 2-star ratings, and 171 3-star ratings on Home Depot. Other models, such as the 36 in. 22.3 cu. ft. Counter Depth Side by Side are only recommended by 40% of customers. The biggest complaint amongst customers of several Frigidaire fridges is difficulty staying cool.

Ice and water can accumulate inside of a Frigidaire fridge and damage internal components. Poor customer ratings, expensive repairs, and low energy efficiency make Frigidaire refrigerators worth avoiding.

Beko refrigerators have many problems that range from excessive moisture to quickly dirty condenser coils. Customers report that Beko fridges often produce a noisy humming sound. Frost can easily accumulate inside of a Beko refrigerator, and models such as the Beko 19.9 Cu. Ft. Freestanding French Door Refrigerator have 28 negative reviews out of 59.

Recent models are more reliable, but the 2-year warranty is not enough to cover expensive repairs down the line. The back of a Beko fridge can run too hot, and that is a sign that you need to replace it completely. Even worse, customers of the Freestanding French Door refrigerator report that it stops working after less than a year in some cases.

Customers also report that the manual is unclear and doesn’t state make it obvious that you need 2″ of clearance on the back and both sides. This has led to negative reviews from customers who couldn’t fit their Beko fridge in their home and received poor customer service. Repairs are reportedly common, and it is worth avoiding Beko refrigerators to save on replacing parts and expensive service.

Both the ice maker and dispenser on Bosch refrigerators are known to fail or operate poorly. Circuitry and wiring problems are common with Bosch refrigerators, and it can cause the unit to warm up. Unfortunately, 50% of customers reported negative reviews for the 800 Series 24 in. 11 cu. ft. Bottom Freezer.

Expensive models such as the $2,599 500 Series 24 in. 11 cu. ft. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator have many negative reviews for struggling to maintain a cool temperature. Replacing parts such as the defrost control panel or condenser coils is expensive and is common for Bosch refrigerators. Bosch fridges are close in cost to LG but aren’t as reliable and you should avoid them.

Maytag refrigerators have common problems such as excess moisture, a weak door seal, and noisy operation. The low cost of Maytag refrigerators can be enticing, but there have been many recalls and poor customer ratings over the years. Condenser coil problems are common with Maytag fridges and can cause food to spoil.

One of the most concerning complaints is that the Maytag 24.5 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side Refrigerator can roll on its own. Customers also report that it is difficult to accurately adjust the fridge’s temperature. The ice maker assembly on many Maytag refrigerators can easily go bad, and that can lead to costly replacements. Unfortunately, 26% of customers report cooling problems with flagship models such as the 25-cu ft Side-by-Side Refrigerator with LED Lights.

A Maytag fridge can last for up to 10 years, and that is below average for a premium brand. You will need to replace a Maytag refrigerator 5-10 years before you’d need to replace an LG fridge, and that alone is a deal-breaker.

Models such as the Built-in French Door Bottom Freezer 36” are prone to ice maker leaks. Common problems with the condenser fan motor and compressor are expensive, and Thermador replacement parts are less available than competitors such as LG. For example, a replacement Thermador TSS42QBB00 Compressor costs $740, and that is nearly the cost of a premium refrigerator.

According to Consumer Affairs, Thermador refrigerators have an average 3.5/5 rating out of 205 reviews. There are plenty of good reviews, but unfavorable reviews point to serious problems such as failure to cool or poor customer service.

Viking is a refrigerator brand that has had many ups and downs when it comes to public favor. Online vendors such as Amazon have low ratings for Viking refrigerators. Viking fridges consistently rank amongst the worst refrigerator brands, and common problems include difficulty cooling and loud operation.

For example, 51% of reviews are negative for the Viking – 3 Series 22.1 Cu. Ft. French Door Counter-Depth. The most common customer complaints include uneven cooling, lack of a water dispenser, and misaligned drawers. Bigger complaints include long waits for replacement parts from Viking,

Rushing air and water sounds are common with Viking refrigerators. You get little bang for your buck with a Viking fridge, and it’s not worth the money. Replacement parts such as the compressor cost $600, and Viking refrigerators are not worth the expensive service costs for common problems.

SMEG produces many affordable refrigerators, but many of their models have problems. A SMEG fridge has an average lifespan of 9 years, but it can go bad before then. Some of their models are affordable, but even their premium models such as the FAB32URCR3 can have problems with the condenser coils and compressor.

Even miniature SMEG refrigerators cost $999, and they are prone to uneven cooling and condensation. SMEG only has a 20% customer satisfaction rating, and that is a sign that you should consider another refrigerator brand. One of their worst models is the Smeg 24-Inch Retro Refrigerator w- Bottom Freezer which can reportedly go bad in under 3 years in several cases.

One of the biggest complaints that customers have about SMEG refrigerators is the small capacity. Their units are supposed to be vintage, but the interior of a SMEG refrigerator doesn’t offer enough space for a modern single resident or family.

Kenmore refrigerators are hard to depend on and problems can occur with components such as the condenser coils and air filter. Some customers report their Kenmore refrigerator going bad in as little as 10 years, and that is below average. Models such as the Kenmore Elite 72483 29.9 cu. ft. 4-Door cost $1,890 and customers report problems such as icebox and fan failure.

Parts such as the compressor start relay frequently go bad on Kenmore refrigerators and cost $76 to replace. Kenmore fridges can run into problems with the compressor start relay, damper control, and evaporator fan. Negative reviews are common, and 42% of the reviews for the Kenmore 50045 25 cu. ft. Side-by-Side are unfavorable.

Several customer reviews on reputable webstores such as Sears report that their Kenmore refrigerator went bad within one year. Repair totals often cost $775 for a Kenmore unit, and that is enough to cover most of the cost of an effective fridge.

Sadly, Electrolux is another one of the worst refrigerator brands on the market. Models such as the IQ-Touch EI23BC37SS have a 34 Consumer Report rating and a bad reputation. Customers report that the Electrolux 18.6 Cu. ft. Stainless Steel Column Refrigerator has serious problems such as a weak door seal and weak drawers.

Customers also report problems with customer support and delivery. Electrolux scored a 1.5 out of 10 in customer service from Customer Service Scoreboard, and many online reviews corroborate that. Models such as the Electrolux 21.8 Cu. ft. Stainless Steel refrigerator have a bad reputation for a persistent high-pitched buzzing sound.

One of the biggest concerns about Electrolux refrigerators is that customers report excessive heat on the side and back of several models. The Electrolux 21.8 Cu. ft. Stainless Steel refrigerator is known to run hot, and that can often indicate a problem with the motor. You should avoid Electrolux refrigerators because of the loud operation, poor performance, and bad customer service.

Blue Star refrigerators have a bad reputation in verified reviews, online forums, and the appliance community. According to Yale Appliance, BlueStar refrigerators have a 63.89 % service rate. More than half of their customers required some form of service and the average cost of refrigerator repairs is $250.

Negative reviews reflect that BlueStar refrigerators run too loudly and have problems with consistent cooling. BlueStar refrigerators come with a 1-year warranty, but many users report poor customer service. A 1-year warranty is helpful, but the high service rate suggests that repairs and replacements may be necessary after that time.

BlueStar has yet to recall any refrigerators, but they have recalled over 7,000 wall ovens. Reviews indicate poor performance, bad customer service, and frequent service. Models such as the Refrigeration Series 36 Inch Wide 22.4 Cu. Ft. cost $13,295 and are not worth the exorbitant cost because of the high service rate.

JennAir is a big name in appliances, but both their refrigerators and dishwasher have a reputation for being unreliable. According to Yale Appliance, JennAir refrigerators have a 55.16 % service rate. That translates to 326 of 591 JennAir refrigerators needed to be serviced.

For example, 59% of Amazon reviews for the Jenn-Air Pro-Style Counter-Depth Stainless Steel French Door are 1-star. Negative reviews point to poor customer service, cosmetic problems, and design flaws. Some Amazon customers report difficulty keeping the door on its track.

It is hard to depend on a refrigerator brand like JennAir with such a high service rate and so many 1-star reviews. Consider a more reliable brand such as GE Profile which only has a 14.4% service rate over JennAir.

Liebherr refrigerators are expensive and should be reliable, but in reality, they have a high service rate and poor reviews. For example, the Liebherr CS1640: 30″ Refrigerator & Freezer has a 1-star rating on Amazon, and reviews cite cosmetic and functional problems. Customers report flaws with the plastic pieces inside of Liebherr refrigerators as well as problems with the cooling function.

Liebherr refrigerators have a 26.09 % service rate, and that points to manufacturing flaws. Models such as the Liebherr 9.4 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Bottom Freezer Counter Depth have a bad reputation for going bad after 2-3 years, according to reviews. The poorest performing model is the Liebherr CS1640: 30″ Refrigerator & Freezer which also has a 1-star rating.

One of the most disconcerting things about Liebherr refrigerators is the consistently negative feedback for their customer service. Each of the aforementioned models has negative Amazon reviews that reference warranty and customer service problems. Liebherr refrigerators are flawed, prone to problems, have a high service rate, and are unreliable.

Signature Kitchen Suite refrigerators are easy to find, but they are tough to rely on. According to Yale Appliance data, Signature Kitchen Suite refrigerators have a 100% service rate. This data comes from 5 customers who purchased a Signature Kitchen Suite refrigerator, and each of them needed it to be serviced.

This data is surprising considering that LG owns Signature Kitchen Suite, but their service rate is through the roof. Signature Kitchen Suite is LG’s premium line of refrigerators, but LG’s service rate is 19.61 %. Customers report compressor failure and cooling problems with Signature Kitchen Suite refrigerators.

Models such as the Signature Kitchen Suite 24 cu.ft. Counter-depth French Door Refrigerator cost $4,499, but are fraught with problems. Customers require service and report problems with the door seal and maintaining temperature. Signature Kitchen Suite refrigerators are nowhere near as reliable as LG refrigerators, and they cost more.

LG is a brand name that instills trust through products like the InstaView Smart Wi-Fi Enabled 27.6-cu ft 4-Door French Door Refrigerator. That is one of their flagship refrigerators, and 91% of Lowe’s reviews for the model are favorable. The average LG refrigerator is low-maintenance, but luckily, replacement parts are affordable and even a compressor can cost below $200.

One of their most well-reviewed models is the 29.5-cu ft 4-Door French Door Refrigerator which has 68% 5-star ratings and 17% 4-star ratings through Lowe’s. LG’s French Door models get particularly great reviews due to the dual ice maker feature and generous storage. The most common praises in favorable LG refrigerator reviews include excellent storage, even cooling, and easy temperature control.

LG offers generous warranties and makes it easy for customers to make a warranty claim. You can’t go wrong with an LG refrigerator whether it’s a smart model, a side-by-side, or a classic 4-door fridge.

GE produces many of the best appliances on the market, and their refrigerators are no exception. Between their side-by-side and French door refrigerators, GE produces no shortage of highly-reviewed models. For example, 93% of Home Depot customers recommend the GE Profile 27.9 cu. ft. Smart 4-Door French Door Refrigerator.

Standout features on their flagship refrigerators include adjustable temperature drawers and a hands-free autofill water dispenser. A simple model such as the GE 21.9 cu. ft. Top-Freezer Refrigerator has 4,163 5-star ratings and only costs $1,034. GE refrigerators generally last 15 years, on average, and they generally require minimal servicing.

Luckily, essential replacement parts such as a GE light board only cost $64. Many GE fridges don’t require servicing, but their parts are readily available and affordable. GE refrigerators are reliable, perform well, and common enough that any professional can service yours if you ever need it.

Whirlpool produces everything from top-freezer refrigerators and side-by-side refrigerators to French door refrigerators. One of the best-reviewed Whirlpool fridges is the 36 in. 19.4 cu. ft. 4-Door French Door Refrigerator which 87% of Home Depot customers recommend. The stainless steel finish on Whirlpool fridges fits in well in any home or aesthetic, and that is a common theme in positive reviews.

Affordable models such as the 18 cu. ft. Top-Freezer Refrigerator has 2,855 5-star ratings on Home Depot and only costs $854. Whirlpool produces refrigerators for every budget, and their 4-door French Door models are the most expensive.

For example, the 27 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator costs $2,699, but 93% of reviews are positive and it’s worth the cost. Great storage, even refrigeration, stainless steel finishes, and easily replaceable parts mean that you can count on Whirlpool fridges.

According to a Yale Appliance study, Samsung refrigerators only have an 18.87% service rate. Samsung refrigerators are durable and it is easy to replace parts if something goes bad because of how widespread their products are. Models such as the 28.2 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator exemplifies Samsung’s reputation with a 79% customer recommendation rate through Home Depot.

Samsung refrigerators are energy efficient and even feature a unique Sabbath Mode that users can program. The ice maker is a standout feature on Samsung refrigerators, and French Door models can produce and store 5.5 pounds of ice per day.

Uneven cooling is not a worry with Samsung refrigerators because of their unique multi-vent technology. A low service rate, affordable prices, unique features, and excellent customer service make Samsung one of the most reliable refrigerator brands.

Danby is one of the most reliable refrigerator brands when it comes to cost and performance. The company has a 74-year history and Danby has built trust in that time with great products and customer service. A simple model such as the Designer 24 in. W 11.0 cu. ft. Freezerless Refrigerator is recommended by 82% of customers.

Danby is known for key features such as reversible hinges and unique shelves that you can position to your liking. They also produce mini-fridges with see-through doors like the 17.5 in. W 2.6 cu. ft. Commercial Refrigerator that performs well and features the standard Danby LED lights.

Amazon customers continually praise Danby refrigerators, and 75% of reviews for the Danby DCR031B1BSLDD 3.1 Cu.Ft. are 5 stars. Danby fridges are reliable, and replacement parts such as a thermostat temperature control only cost $30. Consider Danby if you want a dependable, well-reviewed, and affordable refrigerator.

Haier produces reliable refrigerators, and their side-by-side models are no exception. The Haier 565 L Inverter side-by-side refrigerator is efficient, affordable, and user-friendly. Electrical problems are not a problem with the 565 L Inverter refrigerator because the compressor and fan motor have a consistent DC current.

The main benefit of a Haier side-by-side refrigerator is the generous 66% fridge to 34% freezer space ratio. Haier side-by-side refrigerators have a strong seal but are easy and comfortable to open or close. The bonus of a 10-year warranty and low electrical consumption makes Haier the best choice for a side-by-side refrigerator.

Popular models include the 16.4 cu. ft. Quad French Door Freezer Refrigerator which is recommended by 83% of customers. Haier has a 4/5 customer service rating from Consumer Affairs, and their side-by-side refrigerator’s are the best on the market.

While their standard refrigerators are less than perfect, KitchenAid produces some of the best side-by-side refrigerators on the market. Families and single homeowners alike can benefit from the tempered glass shelves, storage bins, and ice system that LG side-by-side refrigerators offer.

Models such as the 22 cu. ft. Smart wi-fi Enabled Side-by-Side refrigerators have a large capacity and run counter depth. Some LG side-by-side refrigerators can produce up to 4.1 lbs of ice per day, and the electrical temperature controls are easy to use. Consider an LG side-by-side refrigerator if you want an easy interface, wi-fi capabilities, and excellent storage.

The 27 cu. ft. Side by Side Refrigerator with InstaView is recommended by 81% of its customers on Home Depot. Customers rave about the size, great use of space, cooling function, smart features, and storage. Their selection of side-by-side models is limited, but LG’s side-by-side fridges are affordable, effective, and offer maximum storage.

KitchenAid’s side-by-side refrigerators boast an ice and water dispenser, generous storage, and a durable finish. The KitchenAid 22.6 cu ft. Counter-Depth Side-by-Side model has an impressive in-door ice system and air filtration system that makes it stand out. There are several drawers and shelves to maximize storage.

KitchenAid excels with its protection plans, and their side-by-side refrigerators have a PrintShield Finish to prevent cosmetic damage. You can’t go wrong with a KitchenAid side-by-side refrigerator in terms of performance, storage, temperature regulation, and durability. The 36 in. W 24.8 cu. ft. Side by Side Refrigerator is widely praised for the superior ice system and easy to clean exterior surface.

Other models such as the 36 in. W 22.6 cu. ft. Side by Side Refrigerator are recommended by 77% of Home Depot customers. KitchenAid side-by-side refrigerators are energy efficient and include LED lights that help keep your energy consumption low and affordable. Between the excellent storage, ice makers, and customer service, KitchenAid produces some of the best side-by-side refrigerators on the market.

The longest-lasting refrigerators on the market are LG and GE. Whirlpool has a reputation for long-lasting refrigerators, but product recalls and model-specific problems make them harder to trust. The average LG refrigerator can last for 20 years.

You can expect your GE refrigerator to last for 15 years on average, but it can last up to 20 years with regular maintenance. Both brands have readily available replacement parts for a fair price that can extend the life of your fridge.

Samsung refrigerators are reliable, have limited recalls, and are low-maintenance. The highest refrigerator sales on the market have been Samsung fridges for the last several years. Samsung has received awards for customer satisfaction at the J.D. Power Awards and gets recognition from professional technicians.

Refrigerator service technicians chose Samsung fridges as the best on the market in 2019. Samsung accounts for 20% of the appliance market, and its refrigerators are among their best products.

LG makes some of the most reliable refrigerators on the market because they are low-maintenance and have few problems. There are many models and styles available, and LG refrigerators are often easy to service when there is a problem.

The most awards at the J.D. Power Awards were granted to LG in 2019. You can find reliable counter depth and standard depth LG refrigerators in multiple styles. Problems are rare, but LG refrigerator parts are easy to find and affordable if you ever need to make repairs.

Whirlpool refrigerators have a long lifespan, are durable, and are easy to repair. You can reliably own a Whirlpool fridge for years without problems if you are careful and maintain it as needed. Recent models such as the Whirlpool WRL767SIAM Side-by-Side Refrigerator has smart features and a reputation for being reliable.

Whirlpool refrigerators are low-maintenance, but their popularity makes it easy to find parts or technicians if a problem occurs. You won’t have to worry about storage problems due to the generous shelves and drawers that Whirlpool fridges boast. Whether it is the ice maker, water dispenser, or cooling element, you can rely on a Whirlpool refrigerator to work without a problem.

The most common mistake when buying a new refrigerator is failing to consider your storage requirements. Families or households with multiple residents require a fridge with plenty of storage. However, single homeowners and homeowners without children may not need as many drawers and storage shelves.

Fridges with more storage are often pricier, and that cost is unnecessary if you don’t need it. Take a peek inside of a fridge before you buy one with more or less storage than you need.

Some refrigerators are more energy-efficient than others, and that makes them more cost-effective. However, it is easy for a homeowner to look past energy requirements while purchasing a new fridge. Pay close attention to a fridge’s energy requirements and purchase one that you can reasonably run all the time.

It costs an average of $16 per month to run a refrigerator, but it can cost significantly more. Luckily, there are plenty of energy-efficient refrigerator models from brands such as LG, Samsung, and Haier.

There are many different manufacturers who are making refrigerators with solid consumer ratings. Whirlpool, GE, and LG consistently stand out as some of the best on the market.

According to customers, purchasing a refrigerator from one of these companies seems like it’ll always be a fairly safe bet. That being said, you’ll still want to check the ratings for the specific model that you like before you decide to purchase it. As shown in the previous section, even Whirlpool isn’t immune from making a bad refrigerator.

On the other end of the spectrum, there are several refrigerator brands that consumers recommend avoiding entirely. Some of the worst fridges that we’ve seen were made by companies like KitchenAid, Bosch, and Frigidaire.